Yezda Urfa - Boris. 1975 USA

From the Chicago area, Yezda Urfa represents the logical
conclusion to where progressive rock was ultimately heading in its era.
The trajectory in popular music from 1967 to 1975 was astounding by any
measure. And yet it was just about that same time when the major
corporations in music were looking to reign it all in. If you are
looking for insanely complex, all-over-the-place, constantly shifting
rock music, then Yezda Urfa is your nirvana. Not even in 1973 Italy do
you find such insanity, and that was an organized scene where it seemed
each band were trying to outdo each other. But, as it turns out, it was
in northwest Indiana where the results came in, and Yezda Urfa ended up
with the prize. Which is not the same thing as saying they were the
best. No, they weren't in my estimation. But they sure were great!

As
stated, there were few bands in the world that were more progressive
rock oriented than Yezda Urfa. No matter, they still tried hard to
achieve a major label signing. Fortunately they kept all their rejection
letters to share with us, so we can all have a laugh today. You do have
to feel bad for the A&R person at the record company who received
the tape for Boris. He or she may have loved every minute of it, but
there was NO WAY this band was getting signed up! My favorite comes from London Records: "After listening to your material we have reservations as to its commercial potential...". YA THINK?

The
bonus track 'The Basis of Dubenglazy While Dirk Does the Dance', from
the Syn-Phonic CD, is just as good as anything from the album proper!

History has a way of vindicating superior art such as this.

Personal collection

CD: 2004 Syn-Phonic
CD: 2010 Belle Antique (Japan)

The original LP is one of the rarest progressive rock albums on the planet, since it was only issued for promo purposes, and very few have ever surfaced. After waiting 15 years for the "artwork", Syn-Phonic finally managed to get this one out to the masses. I picked up the Japan mini as well, just for the heck of it, but it's sourced straight from Syn-Phonic's copy.